NONRESIDENT FEES ANGER SOME YOUTH BASKETBALL SIGN-UPS HAVE DRAWN MOSTLY THOSE WHO LIVE IN CITY.

Byline: JUDY O'ROURKE Staff Writer

SANTA CLARITA -- Winter will see the start of the city's two-tiered parks and recreation fees, while sign-ups for a top draw -- winter youth basketball -- have drawn more residents and fewer nonresidents, the latter no longer subsidized.

Some in outlying areas complain that the differential is unfair, but when it came time to register, many were simply confused, an official said.

``They assumed because they lived in the Santa Clarita Valley, they were residents of the city of Santa Clarita,'' said Shannon Omessi, the city's recreation superintendent. ``You can have a street where you are a city resident and the person next to you or across the street may not be. Boundaries are hard to map.''

A top county official condemned the city's decision.

``Supervisor (Michael D.) Antonovich has said he does not believe this is something the city should do,'' said Bob Haueter, a senior deputy for the supervisor. ``Residents don't normally check boundaries before they use a facility. They just want to be able to go and ... participate in a program.''

Of the more than 350,000 registrations since 2001, about 51 percent were residents. The remainder lived outside city limits in county territories, such as Stevenson Ranch and Castaic.

In November 2003, the city gave residents priority registration for programs, and in March, the City Council adopted a tiered fee schedule that partly subsidizes residents and discontinues subsidies for others.

While leaders of the West Ranch and Castaic town councils denounced the city's decision last spring, one group now faults the county for not stepping up.

``There should be no cost differential this year for the kids,'' said Lloyd Carder, president of the Castaic Area Town Council. ``What should be happening is, the county should have negotiated some kind of compensation to the city for park services that they have chosen not to duplicate in the unincorporated areas.''

County officials could not be reached for comment.

Dave Bossert, president of the West Ranch Town Council, voiced disappointment that the city did not discuss the issue with town councils before adopting the fee system.

The town councils, which represent roughly 30,000 residents in the outlying areas, serve as advisory bodies to Antonovich.

County parks grandfathered into the city when it was formed are banned from treating residents and nonresidents differently. They include Canyon Country, Newhall, North Oaks, Valencia Glen, Valencia Meadows, Bouquet Canyon, Old Orchard and Santa Clarita. Parks that receive state bond fund money must follow suit.

Residents pay $93 for the three-month youth basketball program beginning in January. Nonresidents pay $121.

Staggered fees are now charged at the Sports Complex for gym memberships and activity center rentals. Individual residents pay $300 for an annual pass; nonresidents pay $390. An annual family pass costs $450 for residents, $525 for nonresidents.

Tiered fees for the aquatics center will be enforced in the spring. Summer day campers will not be subject to priority registration or tiered fees because the programs are offered at many former county parks. About 72 percent of the kids who participated in the basketball program last year were residents, 28 percent lived in outlying areas.

Registration is under way but so far, 78 percent of those who have enrolled live in the city, and 22 percent live outside city limits. Last year, 1,675 kids enrolled, while 1,358 have signed up this year.

Participants must submit a recent utility bill as proof of residency. Those unsure can check with the city's sports office or check the location of their home via a mapping feature on the city's Web site.

judy.orourke(at)dailynews.com

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